IDEM to Reassess Area Near Former American Lead Facility

Beginning next Tuesday, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will assess soil for lead contamination in rights-of-way along residential streets near the former American Lead reclamation facility located at 2102 Hillside Avenue in Indianapolis.

The American Lead site was used for industrial purposes dating back to at least the late 1800s, and for secondary lead smelting operations from 1946 to 1965. Previous lead soil investigations and removals in the American Lead Environmental Advisory Area were conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2005, 2007 and 2016.

The American Lead Environmental Advisory Area, or area of contamination, is roughly defined as 25th Street to the north, Ralston Avenue to the northeast, along the railroad to Interstate 70 with I-70 forming the southern border, and the Monon Trail to the west. There are properties in the area where contaminated soil was not removed because the property owner at the time did not grant EPA or IDEM access; or results from samples showed lead concentrations below the mandatory cleanup levels.

IDEM staff will be field testing soils along public rights-of-way to assess the presence of lead in areas previously unsampled.

In cooperation with the City of Indianapolis, the EPA, and the Marion County Public Health Department, IDEM will be mailing an informational brochure to area residents to raise awareness of sampling and provide information on resources available to reduce the risk of lead exposure for children.

IDEM and EPA have created dedicated websites with specific information for the American Lead site:

• idem.IN.gov/cleanups/sites-of-special-interest/american-lead/
• epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=11741

General online lead information resources are available through:

• The Indiana Department of Health’s Lead and Healthy Homes Division at IN.gov/health/lead-and-healthy-homes-division/ and www.in.gov/health/lead/
• EPA at epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead

Questions regarding public health should be directed to:

• Indiana Department of Health email at media@isdh.IN.gov
• Marion County Public Health Department at (317) 221-2211or email at kjohnson@marionhealth.org

About the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM):

IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.